I can’t believe the first week at home is over (although the third week overall, since we took a vacation). It went really fast, as I imagine all weeks this summer will feel. Overall, I would say it exceeded my expectations. Here’s what I think went well:
1. I didn’t lose my mind or go into “defcon five” yelling level (as I thought would happen for sure). Dennis and I had worked out a “crisis” process where he would come home after work and I would walk out of the house for an extended walk. While most days, I did notice my patience degrading in the late afternoon, I was never in crisis mode. All in all, I kept my stuff together better that I thought.
2. I derived pleasure in the house being clean and organized. For some people doing laundry is the worst. For me, it’s the process in which everything gets organized, in its place and clean. The week allowed me to stay on top of cleaning, laundry and other nagging things. In addition it had the additional bonus of allowing me to declutter things that have been annoying me forever. Yes, I love me some organization.
3. Studying with the boys was more pleasant that I imagined. Again, this area could use some help (as I will discuss later) but spending time with the boys and getting to understand where they are and where I can help was very satisfying.
4. Cooking healthy meals really makes me happy. I was able to cook healthy meals for my family everyday and stay on top of providing balanced and nutritious meals and snacks. I’ve always wanted to consistently give them great things to eat – but with little time and lots of stress, I haven’t been able to do it as consistently as I would’ve liked.
Next step – what I want to work on or improve:
1. Truly provide homeschooling and not “school at home” – When I attended the Homeschooling Convention, I did so with the objective of getting the supplies I would need to teach the boys over the summer. I have a lot of materials and among them a lot of “write-in books”. I was taught using those books and I’m very comfortable with them. However by the last day, Lucas was bored and exasperated (and so was I). He will need a more flexible approach and with the Internet (and Pinterest) by my side, I hope to rise to the challenge.
2. Master the Freezer and Pantry – Our freezer is full of “who knows what” that we have stuck in there since probably when we moved in and have not worked through. While the pantry is not as dire, it definitely could use some more organization so I can use what I have. This is exactly the type of challenge I love – give me an ingredient and I will find you a recipe and use it!
3. Get my booty moving – I blame it on getting older, but my metabolism seems to have dipped dramatically lately – leaving me with 10 more pounds that I would like to have. What better time that this summer to lose them? My objective is to exercise in the morning and get up at the same time Dennis does. In that way, I can exercise early and make sure it gets done.
All in all- a very good week. I catch myself often just smiling at nothing and I am constantly thanking God for this time with my family.
Te amo!